2022 Toyota Highlander: whining or grinding noise

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Transmission · NC

While accelerating, the vehicle produces a loud whining noise from the transmission area underneath the vehicle. I took the vehicle to Modern Toyota in [XXX] on XXX at 103,287 miles. The dealer diagnosed the condition and their invoice states the vehicle "needs the transmission replaced due to a gear whine." The estimated repair cost is approximately $10,498. This vehicle is equipped with the UA80E 8-speed automatic transmission. Toyota documented this same condition in Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21, which describes a whine or grind noise from the transmission caused by the front carrier assembly pinion shafts, and prescribes transaxle replacement as the repair. My vehicle exhibits the identical symptom and requires the identical repair. The vehicle is the original purchase, bought new on XXX. The failure occurred outside the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty limit, leaving the full repair cost to the owner. This appears to be a widespread defect affecting UA80-equipped Toyota vehicles across multiple model years, and I am reporting it so it is on record. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Car started to have a whining noise only when accelerating at 122,000 miles took it to the Toyota dealer where I bought it from. They did a diagnostics and told me it was the transmission and that it cost almost 10,000 to fix it. Car did not have no check engine light at all.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · MT

According to Toyota service department in Bozeman front pump or input bearing failed causing whine noise with transmission

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Transmission · WI

Transmission was replaced at 62,000 miles, along with the passenger headlight. Transmission had the dreaded "whine" at 60k miles. Headlight led lights were dead at 61K miles. All service work was completed at the local Toyota dealership.

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Transmission · MN

System Failed -Transmission makes a high pitch whine, which Toyota has identified as a product manufacturing issue with the 2017-2022 V6 Highlander, but has not done anything to rectify the issue for those of us out of warranty. As this transmission issue usually doesn't start happening until 60,000 miles, unless you bought an extended warranty, you're out another $8K to $10K due to their negligence. Found this on Redit - Toyota knows the UA80F whines—it’s in TSB T-SB-0160-18 , T-SB-0008-21 and CSP ZJC. But unless your VIN’s on their cherry-picked list, they’ll play dumb. Safety Risk - Transmission stops working and car is inoperable. Reproduced - Yes, Toyota is aware that several cars are affected and doesn't care. Symptoms - Identified Symptoms are high pitched whine, rough shifting, transmission slippage, etc.

Filed Jun 13, 2026 · Transmission · GA

I am having a problem on the transmission as described by the Geras Magazine: "The issue stems from a flawed assembly process involving the counter drive gear support. A locking tab meant to secure a vital retaining nut was not bent properly during factory assembly. This leads to gear movement, internal wear, whining, and eventually failure."

Filed Jun 3, 2026 · Transmission · AZ

Whining sound, when acceleration

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Body · FL

The power back door struts were not completely operational for about 6 months or more from the date of repair on 2/26/26. Therefore, the back hatch would not close without manipulating it by starting the vehicle and using the inside button to close it. There was also a loud grinding/whining noise each time we opened and closed the hatch. The dealer said it's a common problem and maybe the struts were blown out because we had to open the rear hatch to get a mobility scooter in and out . Since we were concerned that eventually the hatch would be stuck in the upright position permanately, we relented and paid to have the Toyota dealer replace the struts. The dealer said it may become a recall because it's so common.

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Engine · NY

Goodwill Repair for my 2022 Highlander transmission whine, referencing TSB T-SB-0008-21。”

Filed Apr 16, 2026 · Transmission · AZ

I am reporting a premature transmission failure on a 2022 Toyota Highlander LE at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle began exhibiting a whining noise. When brought into the Toyota Dealership, I was notified that it needs a full transmission replacement. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Toyota dealership, which determined that the transmission has failed and requires full replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $9,400. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem prior to the failure. A transmission failing at this mileage creates a significant safety risk, especially when merging into traffic, accelerating from a stop, or maintaining highway speeds. This vehicle has been regularly maintained, with service performed through authorized Toyota dealerships. Despite this, Toyota has declined to provide assistance for the repair. This has caused a massive financial stress and strain. There is a documented pattern of similar transmission failures involving Toyota Highlander vehicles equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80 platform) across multiple model years.This appears to be part of a broader pattern of premature transmission failures that may indicate a defect affecting vehicle safety. The consistency of complaints across multiple vehicles and model years suggests this is not an isolated incident. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this issue for potential safety defects and determine whether further action, including recall or manufacturer accountability, is warranted.

Filed Mar 27, 2026 · Transmission · MI

The transmission began making a whining noise at about 70,000 miles. It gradually became more noticeable. We had recently completed a thorough service, including transmission fluid exchange at 68,538 miles at a Toyota dealer. In March 2026 we took it to a Toyota dealer at 75,196 miles to report the noise and the dealer said the noise was coming from the transaxle and advised replacing the transaxle, which will require replacing the transmission. This was confirmed by a second Toyota dealer a few weeks later. Upon further research, it is clear that this is a significant safety issue and I will need to expend between $6k - $8k for repair from an independent shop and at a much higher expense if done through a Toyota dealer.

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Transmission · 71,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and made an unusual whining sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's husband, a certified mechanic, diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact related the failure to several unknown TSBs. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. In addition, the contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.